The best Android phones for any budget

Best Android Phones that fits your budget

The best Android phones give you the most options. Whatever your budget, you can find a handset that meets your requirements, ranging from $1,800 to under $500. You get to choose which features are most important to you. Do you not require a high refresh rate display or a telephoto lens? Save some money.

And now that we’re halfway through 2022, there are a slew of new devices on the market, with more on the way. We’re talking about the Galaxy S22, the OnePlus 10, and other devices. We’ve already seen several phones powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, and now we’re seeing some with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. Not to mention Google’s second-generation Tensor chip, which will power the Pixel 7 when it launches in the fall.

Premium Android flagship phones start at $599 and include the sharpest and brightest displays, the most advanced photography, and cutting-edge features such as reverse wireless charging and 120Hz refresh rates. 5G has also made its way to more affordable options, such as the Pixel 5a and Galaxy A53, so it’s nice to see more Android phones capable of faster download speeds.

Continue reading to discover the best Android phone for your needs and budget. And, whatever you choose, don’t forget to check out our list of the 25 best apps for your new Android phone.

Which Android phones are the best?

Every popular Android phone is tested in every shape, size, and price range. And we now have a new top pick, as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has proven to be the best Android phone. We think the included S Pen is a great addition, and Samsung has improved the already impressive cameras.

The Galaxy S22 Plus is a more affordable Samsung flagship that offers many more features than the Ultra for $200 less. And the Galaxy S21 FE is even more affordable, despite being based on 2021 Galaxy phones.

The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro provide the best Android camera experiences available. However, if you want the best camera for the least amount of money, we recommend the Pixel 6a. There’s also the Galaxy A53, which costs the same as the Pixel 6a but has a better display.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the best foldable phone Samsung has built yet, despite its $1,799 price tag, making it the most expensive phone on this list. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 should be available in August.

Phones with an under-display camera, such as the new ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, deserve a mention here but don’t quite make the cut.

If you’re currently using an iPhone, the good news is that you’ll soon be able to easily switch to any of these devices. The iOS Switch to Android app now supports all Android 12 phones, which includes everything on this list.

Back to school, plus the best Android phones

While summer is in full swing, school will be here before you know it, which means it’s time to check out the back-to-school sales for great deals on school supplies. This includes the best Android phones, which may be discounted by retailers and phone service providers. Follow our back-to-school guide for all of your shopping needs this season, whether you’re looking for a new phone before heading off to college or some other piece of essential classroom tech.

The best Android phones available today

1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Specifications

Display: 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED (3088 x 1440)
Android version: 12, One UI 4.1
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB, 12GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / No
Rear cameras: 108MP (f/2.2) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) 10x telephoto, 10MP (f/2.4) 3x telephoto
Front camera: 40MP (f/2.2)
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 8:50 (adaptive), 10:18 (60Hz)

Reasons to buy

Faster S Pen built in
Super bright display
Cameras offer better low light performance

Reasons to avoid

Pricey
Shorter battery life than S21 Ultra

2. OnePlus 10 Pro

Specifications

Display: 7-inch AMOLED (3216 x 1440)
Android version: 12, OxygenOS 12.1
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB, 12GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear cameras: 48MP (f/1.8) main, 50MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 8MP (f/2.4) 3.3x telephoto
Front camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
Weight: 7 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 11:52 (120Hz), 12:39 (60Hz)